"Mediators"...Acrylic painting by Manisha Vedpathak

African masks are considered amongst the finest creations in the

 art  world and are highly sought after by art collectors. There is a 

 huge variety of mask types found in Africa which makes classifying

them a difficult task. Face masks are the most common mask type.

 They are used throughout Africa. The artists who create mask

are given a special status. They use various materials, included are

leather, metal, fabric and various types of wood.

One of the main characteristics of culture of African peoples

 is use of masks in rituals and ceremonies. These masks often

represent a spirit and it is strongly believed  that the spirit of the

 ancestors possesses the wearer. Some masks are used as Icons

 of power to ward off evil spirits and some are used to celebrate

 and thank the ancestors during crop harvesting. Though

over the last few decades there has been a sharp decline in masking rituals.

"Mediators"

Acrylic on canvas, 29.9"x29.9"

Available, If interested contact

 manishavedpathak@gmail.com

In my painting ,I have juxtaposed these mask drawings in a complex

 composition and warm color tones which depicts the warmness

of the African continent. Since many African societies see masks

 as mediators between the living world and the supernatural world

 of the dead, or their ancestors, I have titled the painting "Mediators".

You will notice the lines on the faces in the painting. These are 

 the tribal marks and are passed down from family to family. These

 are used mainly to differentiate the ethnic groups. Along with the

ethnic identification these are also associated with the spiritual

or religious practices.